September 2, Quieted with Love
(A story from Sarah Joy and “Pepper”)
He will quiet you with His love
Zephaniah 3:17
Quieted with love! What an amazing and endearing image of one who truly cares.
As I walked through our home one morning, I heard a soft voice calmly saying, “It’s okay . . . I know it hurts . . . it will be better.” So, I assumed our 8-year-old daughter was injured, and momwas consoling her. But, as I walked closer to the sound of the voice, I realized it was actually our 8-year-old daughter pitching her voice like her mom while she consoled our miniature poodle, Pepper. Apparently, Pepper had something to infect his eye, and he was very agitated and attempted to scratch at the eye with his paw. The proper medicine had already been administered, but the process of healing was slow. To calm his agitation and pain, in stepped his number one fan, Sarah Joy. She maturely took upon herself the role of care giver (following the great example of my precious wife), and gently quieted Pepper with her love. But, more than just words, Sarah Joy actually laid with him. She curled up on the floor right beside him to show her love as well as speak her love. She took upon herself his posture and position, and she quieted him. She stepped into his pain and into his little world and calmed him with her love.
Perhaps, having read the above verse you already know where such a story takes us today. God has indeed stepped into our pain and brokenness and into our little world to touch us with His love. His purpose from eternity past to this very moment remains the same: He desires to quiet us with his love.
The enemy (Satan) attacks us with guilt and shame. Our fallen culture causes worry and anxiety. The state of the world heaps upon us many uncertainties. All of this and more, can attack our peace of mind, and even our wellbeing. The noise of this world can most certainly agitate us and attempt to overcome our faith.
But God! God, in His infinite love and wisdom, sent Jesus. God Himself stepped into our lives and with His love has quieted our hearts from the confusion, chaos, and noise of this dark world.
So today, do not fret. Do not fall into doubt, confusion, and worry. There is one who has quieted your heart with His love.
The rest of the story of Sarah Joy and Pepper? Pepper laid still and motionless and allowed the one who loved him to bring relief in the midst of pain and discomfort.
Today, be still, cease striving, and know that God IS! Allow Him to quiet you with His love. And, then rest in Him. Trust me, you will be glad you did.
Blessings.
Read Zephaniah 3:14-17 and rejoice that God is with you.
